Update: Simpsons composer Alf Clausen fired after almost three decades

Update: The Simpsons producers have commented on Alf Clausen's dismissal in a statement released today, saying that they "tremendously value Alf Clausen’s contributions to The Simpsons and he will continue to have an ongoing role in the show. We remain committed to the finest in music for The Simpsons, absolutely including orchestral. This is the part where we would make a joke but neither Alf’s work nor the music of The Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us." I'm left wondering exactly what that "ongoing role" will be, but whatever it is, it probably won't make up for the loss of Clausen's musical touch.

When The Simpsons returns for its 29th season (holy crap) in a little over a month, it's possible that the long-running series will sound a little different than it has for the majority of its run. Variety reports that Alf Clausen, who has served as the composer on The Simpsons since the second season, has been fired from the series. D'oh!

Clausen received a call from Simpsons producer Richard Sakai who informed him that he would no longer be scoring The Simpsons as the company was seeking "a different kind of music," whatever that means. It's not known exactly why Alf Clausen's services are no longer required, but the speculation is that it involves cost-cutting measures. A Fox spokeswoman declined to comment. As it stands now, Clausen's last complete score for The Simpsons was the Season 28 finale. No word yet on who will be taking over. Simpsons creator Matt Groening has insisted upon a 35-piece orchestra since the show began, and the expense of keeping all those musicians and recording studios going routinely runs into the millions of dollars per year. Seems like a mere drop in a pond for a franchise which has brought in billions of dollars for Fox, but what do I know.

Alf Clausen is believed to be the most-nominated musician in Emmy history, with a total of 30 nominations overall, many of which are for his excellent work on The Simpsons. Obviously the main Simpsons theme by Danny Elfman will remain a part of the series, but I'm sure the loss of Alf Clausen will be felt.